In the cities of Calabasas and Agoura Hills, action is taking place to help better the environment. Residents of the cities are taking measures to live in a more eco-friendly manner. Both the Calabasas and Agoura Hills city councils have helped implement programs to further the progression of helping maintain the environment.

The Plastic Bag Ban, which started in the beginning of 2012, has been placed in full effect. Every store in Calabasas has stopped supplying customers with plastic bags at no cost in an effort to persuade people to reduce waste.  Now, customers are required to bring in reusable bags for their items, or they have the option to purchase paper bags for 10 cents each. According to abcnews.go.com, Californians use about 19 billion plastic bags per year. Six billion of those bags are consumed in Southern California alone. With this new law, local communities are helping to lower the rate of waste and harm being done to the planet.

“At first the reusable bags were an inconvenience but once I got into the habit of using them, it was easy and an effective way to help the environment,” said Calabasas resident Micki Glaser. “I will fully support anything that the city of Calabasas does to better the environment.”

Additionally in Calabasas, “The Dark Skies Ordinance” has helped increase the sky’s visibility by reducing the amount of light allowed from residential houses and business offices during the nighttime. This ordinance helps decrease the amount of light pollution in the area, as well as create a more natural environment for residents. The city of Agoura Hills is in the process of implementing this law.

Agoura Hills has also been making an effort to naturalize the city. Their main project has been breaking up the concrete by the Malibu Creek, which is located next to Albertson’s on Las Virgenes Road. Natural flowers and plants are being planted in place of the concrete. The native plant species will be positively affected by the environmental conditions while simultaneously beautifying the area.

“Change among Calabasas is essential to help the environment,” said Glaser.  “These efforts and upfront new ideas are benefiting everyone and making a stronger and greener community.”

With these new and continuing efforts, Calabasas and Agoura Hills are working to create a greener and healthier place to live. The cities continue to implement new systems and laws to help ensure that they are doing everything they can to help maintain the environment.